JONATHAN Smith has signed a two-year extension to his contract at Accrington Stanley, keeping him at the Crown Ground until 2003.

The 23-year-old centre half, who lives in Darwen, signed from NWCL Division One side Great Harwood at the beginning of last season.

Manager John Coleman said Smith was a vital part of the Unibond Premier side's squad.

"Jonathan was a big part of the squad that won us promotion and he is very popular around the club and with the fans," said the Stanley boss.

"He is still learning but he is keen to learn, he is keen to do well for Accrington Stanley.

"His strengths are that he is big. If there any high balls up in the air you would fancy him to win them.

"His contract was up at the end of the season but he is a good asset for this club and we wanted him signed on a longer contract."

Stanley, who drew 1-1 at home to Frickley Athletic on Saturday, are without a midweek game this week. They face Hyde United at the Crown Ground in the Unibond Premier on Saturday.

Clitheroe, after the disappointment of having their FA Vase tie against Rushall Olympic rained off on Saturday, play host to Maine Road at Shawbridge in NWCL Division One tonight.

The Blues have not played a game since February 3 and might feel in need of the match practise ahead of the re-arranged FA Vase tie on Saturday.

Struggling Great Harwood, whose game against Cheadle Town was called off on Saturday, travel to Abbey Hey in Division One.

Rossendale, whose home game against Mossley also fell victim to the weather at the weekend, are at home to Prescot Cables, also in Division One.

In the Worthington Challenge Trophy second round Ramsbottom, who beat Glossop 1-0 at the weekend, travel to Newcastle.

In NWCL Division Two Bacup, who got a confidence-boosting win at Formby on Saturday, host Chadderton.

Darwen, whose home game against Bootle was called off at the weekend, are away at Castleton Gabriels.